Abstract: An acoustic generator, comprising: a source of electro-magnetic radiation; a waveguide coupled to said source; and at least one absorbing region defined in said waveguide, said region being selectively absorbing for portions of said radiation meeting at least one certain criterion and having significantly different absorbing characteristics for radiation not meeting said criterion, both of said radiation portions being suitable for conveyance through said waveguide, wherein said absorbing region converts said radiation into an ultrasonic acoustic field. Optionally, said region comprises a volumetric absorber. Alternatively or additionally, said region comprises a plurality of regions.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the person's spine or other object whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor carried by the probe is movable with the user's finger as the finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system tracks and displays the movements of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object. An ultrasonic transducer may be combined with the position sensor on the same probe and used to examine particular vertebrae, such as apex vertebrae, for rotation and/or deformation.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the object (e.g., a person's spine) whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor is carried by the probe and is movable therewith, and with the user's hand, as the user's finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system further includes a position tracking system for tracking the movement of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the object (e.g., a person's spine) whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor is carried by the probe and is movable therewith, and with the user's hand, as the user's finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system further includes a position tracking system for tracking the movement of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the person's spine or other object whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor carried by the probe is movable with the user's finger as the finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system tracks and displays the movements of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object. An ultrasonic transducer may be combined with the position sensor on the same probe and used to examine particular vertebrae, such as apex vertebrae, for rotation and/or deformation.